The
Scion FUSE is being billed as the new Scion sports coupe icon. Does that mean it will replace the tC in production trim
or possibly spawn a new model? Scion’s keeping tight lipped on the vehicle’s prospects, but it seems to us
as more of a flexing of the brand’s customizing muscle. Developed in-house by Toyota and built by Five Axis,
creators of a host of craze Scion SEMA concepts, the FUSE has many fun bits and pieces that will never make it to
production, like the much talked about wheel-embedded turn signals, color programmable headlights and fog lamps and a
large Scion badge that doubles as a video monitor on which downloaded images and video can be displayed.
The
lambo doors swing up to reveal an interior that looks like Wesley Crusher’s post on the bridge of the Enterprise.
The steering incorporates drive-by-wire hardware with an interface aped from your favorite Gran Turismo steering wheel
controller. The “media station” spans the vehicle’s width and houses a double dose of 10.5-inch monitors.
Though the FUSE is a four-seater, when parked the tailgate converts into a pair of outdoor seats.
To quote
Scion brass, the FUSE is a “styling exercise that presents a discussion starting point for Scion owners and other
Gen Y consumers with an eye towards a versatile sports coupe.” We’re pretty sure that means it ain’t
gonna git built.
Check out a great gallery of photos after the jump, both live and staged, as well
as Scion’s official release.
SCION UNVEILS FUSE SPORTS COUPE CONCEPT
AT 2006 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
NEW YORK, APRIL 12, 2006 – – Scion, from Toyota Motor
Sales, U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new FUSE Sports Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference today at the 2006 New
York Auto International Show.
Developed by Calty Design Research, Toyota’s North American design studio
located in Newport Beach, Calif. and Scion’s Advanced Product Strategy Team, and built by Five Axis of Huntington
Beach, Calif., the all-new FUSE was designed to be the new Scion sports coupe icon. Its goal was to push the limits of
a coupe concept by combining entertainment, digital technology, and versatility into one sinister looking package. Most
importantly, its styling makes a visual statement about its intention to expand the performance envelope among
affordable, entry-level sport coupes.
“The idea of the all-new FUSE Sports Coupe is a reflection of
the boundless limits and creative envelope that embodies all the vital personalization components of a Scion
product,” said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. “Since the launch of Scion three years ago, designers
have learned a great deal about what inspires and motivates Scion buyers through its unique vehicle lineup and
instilled them into the FUSE.”
The exterior of the FUSE was the conception of Calty designers Alex Shen and
Bob Mochizuki, who were determined to create a strong performance statement. Inspiration came from the
“HAKO” super GT racing cars of Japan, commonly known as the JGTC series. From the side, the FUSE has a low,
aggressive stance with a race helmet-inspired wraparound window that provides a panoramic view. The visor-like
wraparound windshield is balanced by a strong C-pillar, adding a sense of security and protection.
At first
glance, the menacing presence and dark undertones of the FUSE subtly hint there is more than meets the eye. The front
of the FUSE glares at you with slim, high-mounted, deep-set headlamps communicating a serious and aggressive attitude.
A massive rectangular air intake hints at potential for a large intercooler.
From the back, wide-body rear
flares span the entire rear mass, encasing deep-set vertical taillamps. The dual exhaust also serves as fog and reverse
lamps as lighting encircles each exhaust tip. Wheels are 20-inch custom-machined with LED’s on the end of each
spoke, which illuminate as turn indicators.
On top, two horizontal glass panels run the length of the roof,
and slide open in both directions offering all occupants access to a personal sunroof. The rear window tapers down to a
speed-activated spoiler.
True to the Scion tradition, the FUSE is equipped with extreme levels of
personalization accessories. Headlights and fog lamps can be programmed to illuminate in various colors. Videos or
images can be downloaded and viewed on a concealed LCD screen behind the front badge. And then there is the
interior.
Calty interior designers Alan Schneider and Ichirou Mukai used the long wheelbase and high
beltline of the FUSE to help create the interior theme, which revolves around providing the driver with an intense
driving environment and occupants an intimate atmosphere. The activation of a small key-shaped sensor unhinges
butterfly doors that open to reveal an interior that merges technology, function and racing inspired elements in an
asymmetrical pentagon where the driver is positioned at the apex of the surround.
The influence of the
“racing tub” in the overall design is obvious. It provides a unique contrast that highlights the floating
technical elements of the interior. A drive-by-wire steering interface combines influences from race cars and video
game controllers in one innovative driver module. A media station that runs the length of the dash is the focal point
of the cabin. Passengers can watch movies, play video games, or do both, with dual display 10.5-inch monitors.
The FUSE interior concept is referred to as “one plus stuff.” The design focuses on the driver by offering
surprising versatility in the form of three interior arrangements: video, driving and cargo configurations. In its video
mode, the front passenger seat folds flat and serves as a table, or footrest. Occupants can utilize video screens or
take advantage of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) connectivity and instant message their friends. In driving mode, the video
screens turn off and a multi-informational display is used for driver information.
Utility is maximized in a
cargo mode where the front passenger seat and rear seats fold down to form a flat surface. And, multi-functioning rear
cargo access allows stowage of larger items. The FUSE cabin seats four comfortably, however when the car is parked,
additional room is available with a tailgate that converts to provide outdoor seating. A sweep of the foot over an
infrared sensor located on the lip of the rear bumper opens the rear tailgate and sliding hatch, allowing the tailgate
to drop down into a curb-high bench. This surprising seating arrangement is paired with rear foldout speakers for an
unexpected social environment. Enhancing the social scene is a detachable drink cooler with a retractable handle, which
is integrated into the rear center console.
Additional features include subtle accent lighting on the seats,
doors and overhead lining. Deeply contoured seats are upholstered with soft-to-the-touch “Mythos” fabric
that wraps around passengers for maximum comfort. Finally, audio, video and HVAC systems are easily controlled by a
“vehicle system/communication interface” touch control board that is similar in appearance to a telephone
keypad.
“The FUSE is a styling exercise that presents a discussion starting point for Scion owners and
other Gen Y consumers with an eye towards a versatile sports coupe,” said Templin. “Like previous Scion
concepts, the FUSE delivers a unique statement about what the Scion brand is all about and where it is headed.”